Converting 5-speed to 6-speed (3B) - Check List

[Error404]

Anyone know how you separate the pressed ABY UJ joints? I want to refresh the ABY prop i have but can't work out how to get the UJ apart without damaging it

[Jonas_R]

I measured the props I have, and I make the ABY item 60mm longer than the 3B.

That's what I got. The rear section on the Avant is very short due to the long rear diff housing.

The old 3B prop looks a bit easier to service, as the universal joint bushes/bearings are circlipped in, whereas the ABY is pressed together. So IMHO it's best to keep the 3B UJ and just use just the ABY front section, and the front CV joint if you decide to keep an old one. Unless of course you get an ABY Coupé prop in good condition, then you can just swap the whole thing. Easy.

New gaskets and bolts would be a good idea. You may also need to budget for a propshaft overhaul, new centre bearing and so on, but that's all in a different thread.

Also if you get a DSY gearbox like I did, or another with an oil pump, you will need to sort out an oil cooler, pipework and whatever else.

Already have a CGR box
Just need the propshaft I guess.

Perhaps I should see if I can get my hands on a ABY Coupe propshaft.

[4WheelDrifter]

I measured the props I have, and I make the ABY item 60mm longer than the 3B.

Oops. I just re-read this and I meant the ABY prop is 60mm shorter tan the 3B, obviously.

For reference the 3B prop is 1600mm long, 60mm diameter, 2mm thick.

[PeterFin]

Are the 3b Gearbox mounts and brackets different from the 6 speed ABY ?

[Jonas_R]

That is what I have been told.

[Error404]

yup totally different.

[terrybullwon]

Anyone know how you separate the pressed ABY UJ joints? I want to refresh the ABY prop i have but can't work out how to get the UJ apart without damaging it

Alex, Wind a bolt inside the thread with the prop in a "L" shape then at a straight postion wind the bolt back out with a large spacer in there with a flat face.

HTH

[Error404]

no i mean to remove the acutal universal joint on the ABY shaft. On the CQ / 3B shaft you can remove the circlips and tap the UJ sleeves out, but the ABY one is pressed in not using circlips
The older 3B and CQ universal joints have a grease nipple too

I've just kept my CQ rear section and universal joint now, and using the avant front section to make a hybrid. Now after some new CVs for the ends and a new UJ if i can find one.

[newsh]

Already have a CGR box
Just need the propshaft I guess.

Perhaps I should see if I can get my hands on a ABY Coupe propshaft.

You can use the front section from an Avant

[archiboy24]

The prop shaft from a 4000 quattro ( I think the B2 80/90 in Europe?) works as well and may be less expensive.

[Jonas_R]

I got the aby propshaft now from a coupe, so just need that to arrive and then it will be time.